DIRECT DEMOCRACY Flashcards
CONTROL - (P)
One advantage of direct democracy is that it gives the people more control. With popular participation emerges the precise and true view of all citizens.
CONTROL - (EX)
The people determine their destiny and shape their society accurately and there is no distinction between the government and the people which relates to Rousseau’s theory that the people themselves should make laws and decisions via referendums and that there is no need for elected representatives.
CONTROL - (E)
example is in the 2014 Scottish Independence Referendum the turnout was 84% which is much higher than Scottish turnout in 2024GE which was 59% .The higher turnout in recent referendums show that it is possible to apply direct democracy, also the use of modern advances in technology may mean that applying more direct forms of democracy are more realistic.
CONTROL - (A)
his in turn would also help to create a population that is more politically literate and aware of issues that affect them and provide more legitimacy to politics as people are more likely to accept decisions made by them
NO RELIANCE ON SELF-SERVING POLITICIANS-(P)
Another advantage of direct democracy is that it enables the public to express their own view and make decisions without having to rely on self-serving politicians.
NO RELIANCE ON SELF SERVING POLITICIANS - (EX)
Politicians are subject to many pressures and they may be more likely to listen to the views of their party leader on issues or obey their party whip in order to advance their careers – putting this before the views of their constituents. This relates to Dahl’s ‘polyarchy’ term which means rule by the many.
NO RELIANCE ON SELF SERVING POLITICIANS - (E)
For example, many Labour politicians voted in favour of going to war in Iraq despite significant protests within their constituencies.
NO RELIANCE ON SELF SERVING POLITICIANS - (A)
Therefore, at a time in which confidence and trust in representatives is low, direct democracy would empower the public as it would take away a layer of people who may distort the actual views of the people and make politics more relevant and purposeful.
LEGITAMACY - (P)
Direct democracy can be seen as an important way to confer legitimacy upon policy plans, especially if they involve major constitutional change or the introduction of novel ideas
LEGITAMACY - (EX)
people are more likely to accept decisions that they have made themselves. This means that more direct democracy in the UK would extend greater legitimacy to the government and its actions.
LEGITAMACY - (E)
For example, there have been referenda on the establishment of a Scottish Parliament, changing the voting system and Scottish independence. The legitimacy of the outcome of these has been accepted by politicians and by (most!) of the public.
LEGITAMACY - (A)
This makes direct democracy effective as they are able to get the public’s opinion instantly without going from person to person and they are more likely to accept the outcome of the result.
LITERACY- (P)
Direct democracy has educational benefits. Direct Democracy creates better-informed and more politically literate citizens.
LITERACY - (EX)
Regular participation in government creates a more vibrant society where people care about events and the factors behind a wide range of issues.
LITERACY - (E)
For example, Referendum campaigns like the Scottish Independence referendum provide an opportunity to inform the public on the merits of the respective arguments. The media coverage in 2014 of the main arguments surrounding the issue resulted in a more informed and better educated electorate in Scotland.
